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Canada invests in Nova Scotia’s clean technology sector

MP Bernadette Jordan announces $2.6 million for Halifax-based company that turns landfill waste into clean-burning fuel

Canadians will benefit from well-paying jobs and business opportunities created by a Halifax-based company that turns landfill waste into clean-burning fuel, thanks to a $2.6-million investment by the Government of Canada.

This investment in Sustane Technologies will support the construction of a new demonstration facility in Chester, about 65 km southwest of Halifax. At this facility, solid waste from landfills will be transformed into recyclable materials as well as high-value fuels that burn cleaner than fossil fuels. The emerging market for products converted from solid waste not only represents a new industry but will also result in less pollution and healthier communities.

The announcement was made today by Bernadette Jordan, Member of Parliament for South Shore–St. Margarets, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

This project is being funded through Sustainable Development Technology Canada, which works with Canadian companies to bring early-stage clean technologies to market.

Investments in clean technology are part of the Government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.

Quotes

Sustane’s technology has the potential to revolutionize the waste-processing industry. By turning waste into clean-burning fuels and other high-value recyclable materials, Sustane is helping to make our communities cleaner and less polluted. This investment also has the potential to create well-paying middle-class jobs while equipping Nova Scotians with the skills they need for a fast-growing, globally competitive economy based on clean technology.”

– Bernadette Jordan, Member of Parliament for South Shore–St. Margarets

“Our government’s investments in clean technology reflect our commitment to protecting the planet. But they also point to a clear and strategic direction for economic development through innovation. That’s because innovations in clean tech will lead to products and services that have an impact on all sectors of the economy. And clean tech has the potential to create thousands of well-paying jobs for Canadians. That’s how innovation leads to a better Canada.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“Sustane’s first-of-its-kind technology converts waste into useful products like synthetic diesel and recycled metal and plastic, potentially eliminating the need for landfills. This Nova Scotia–based company’s technology has applications around the world, and SDTC is proud to be its partner.”

– Leah Lawrence, President and CEO, Sustainable Development Technology Canada

“Landfilling society’s waste generates copious greenhouse gasses and fugitive leachates. It sequesters high-value urban land and is just plain wasteful; however, this is still the default solution worldwide. Sustane’s new recycling process recovers 90% of landfilled materials and transforms them into valuable low carbon biofuels and recyclables. We are grateful for this funding from SDTC, which comes at a critical time and allows us to complete the next-generation facility in Chester, Nova Scotia, that will prove our technologies at large demonstration scale, deliver value to our partners and help us cement Canada’s leadership in this space.”

– Peter Vinall, President, Sustane Technologies

Quick Facts

To help clean technology firms grow, the Innovation and Skills Plan includes investments of nearly $1.4 billion in new financing on a cash basis, starting in 2017–18. This new financing in the form of equity investments, working capital and project finance will be made available to clean tech innovators through the Business Development Bank of Canada and Export Development Canada.

Budget 2017 also commits $400 million to recapitalize Sustainable Development Technology Canada’s SD Tech Fund, which supports the development and demonstration of early-stage clean technology projects.

Canada is committed to growing the economy while meeting carbon-emissions targets. The Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, developed with provincial and territorial partners, outlines how Canada will drive innovation and growth while reducing carbon pollution.